Obituary of Albert Holler

Holler, Albert, 88, of Elk Grove Village, IL and St. Petersburg, FL died on March 18, 2012 at age 88. Oldest son of Louise (Schiff) Holler, a survivor of the Eastland Disaster, and Jerry Holler, a Czech immigrant, Albert lived an active and inquisitive life, proud of his Czech heritage and family. Music and shop class were highlights at J. Sterling Morton High School, Cicero, IL (class of 1941), where he played trumpet in the nationally recognized band under the direction of Louis W. Blaha. Playing his trumpet was a joy for much of his life and earned him the nickname of "Hot Lips Holler" from his pals while serving in WWII. Enlisting in the US Air Force (1941), he trained flight navigators in LORAN and was stationed in Watton, England from 1944-45. Al enjoyed a long and accomplished career as an engineer for Western Electric, developing and patenting telephone equipment designs and systems. Al has kept in contact with family members near and far, sharing stories and building an extensive genealogy record. A friend to many, Al will be remembered for his patience, his tenacious problem-solving skills, his enthusiasm for innovative technology; and, his lifelong loves of warm sunny skies, music, handyman projects, sailing, photography, and ballroom dancing. Longtime member and former Commodore of the Boca Ciega Point Boating Club. Proud member of The Boca Ciega Sail and Power Squadron; Treasure Island Yacht and Tennis Club (member #47); The American Legion in Madeira Beach; The Telephone Pioneers of America; The 25th Bomb Group (RCN) Assoc., Inc. Watton, England 1944-1945; Eighth Air Force Historical Society, Florida Chapter; and The Morton Music Makers Alumni. Former member of Burnham Harbor Yacht Club, and the Illiana Yacht Club. Devoted husband of the late Jean (nee Gault) Atkinson Holler, and the late Gwenda (nee Wilson) Kincaid. Loved brother and friend to the late George (Lois) Holler. Father to Wayne (Nora) Holler, Dawn Holler Wisher and Lynn (Tom) Zurowski. Grandfather to Kristin (Bradley) Holler-Upp, Ryan (Amanda), and Jack Holler; Ian, Luke, and Tess Wisher; Marek and Heather Zurowski. Great-grandfather to Mikayla Upp. Step-father to Jeff (Renee) Atkinson. Step-grandfather to Erin (Keith) Jones, and Scott Atkinson. Step great-grandfather to Megan Jones. Kind uncle to many nieces and nephews. Albert leaves his family and friends with many good memories. Memorial Service will be held Thursday, March 29 at 2:00 PM at Reese Funeral Home, 6767 Seminole Boulevard, Seminole, FL 33772. www.reesefuneral.com. 727-391-9954 Interment and family memorial will be in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Stickney, IL.